Fire at South Lubbock apartment determined to be accidental

The Red Cross is assisting several residents after an accidental fire at The Boulders at LakeRidge apartments Monday morning in South Lubbock.

Lubbock Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Addington said the call went out at 5:35 a.m. in the 4400 block of 82nd Street.

"Our biggest issue was trying to make sure everybody was awake to get them out," he said.

An update from LFR indicates arriving units called for a second alarm after finding heavy smoke conditions, and initial units began evacuations.

At approximately 10 a.m., LFR issued a release through social media stating the fire was ruled as accidental.

According to the release, the fire originated through an HVAC unit and smoke detectors alerted residents.

Addington said no injuries were reported and the fire was contained to one building.

LFR reports the fire was brought under control within an hour, and four apartments were damaged.

Of those four, three were occupied and a total of 10 residents were displaced, said LFR representatives.

John Cummins, senior disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, South Plains Regional Chapter, said due to the amount of people displaced, the chapter was able to provide residents with financial assistance toward a hotel room. Cummins said the financial help also aids in the purchase of clothing, food and medication.

LFR units worked the scene as police assisted. Smoke filled the atmosphere as several onlookers wrapped in blankets gathered around the property.

Among them stood resident Jessica Brazile and two of her children.

She said she woke up at 6:20 a.m. to the sounds of sirens and her children followed.

"It's scary," said Brazile, "but it seems like they have a enough first responders out here that, if they needed everybody to get out, everybody would have been out."

She walked toward her apartment across from where crews continued to work.

Cummins said volunteers were at the apartment complex evaluating residents. He said volunteers from the community and monetary donations are critical to their operation.

Those interested in contributing to the Red Cross can contact the regional chapter at 765-8534.

lucinda.holt@lubbockonline.com

• (806)766-8722

On Twitter @AJ_LucindaLHolt

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